Many front-line leaders are anxious and uncertain about telework programs, fearing loss of control over employees' daily work and lacking trust in their subordinates' ability to work without direct supervision. This workshop will focus on building the leadership skills, trust and confidence to manage a successful telework program.
Course Overview
Course Outcomes
- Gain tools to more effectively lead in a telework environment
- Raise “hot button” concerns managers have regarding telework and identify strategies to resolve telework problems
- Learn the four best practices of successful telework and how to apply them as a manager
- Establish effective communication protocols and strategies
- Learn to give and receive effective long distance feedback and plan/manage effective virtual meetings
Business Need
In order to take full advantage of teleworking, organizations need supervisors who can effectively create, manage, and lead telework teams. Much of the emphasis on creating telework programs has been on technology issues, particularly regarding connectivity and security of government information. However, a recent survey of federal chief information security officers showed that telework programs are not a security threat and do not hamper agencies' ability to meet Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) mandates. The challenge, then, comes down to leadership.
Course Topics
Assessment
- Identify current perceptions and concerns about telework
- Identify the characteristics of effective teams and compare those characteristics in virtual and co-located teams
Staying Visible
- Best practices for both managers and employees
- Action plans
Performance Management
- Understand the difference between activities and results
- Components of providing clear direction: goal, guidelines, resources, communication, consequences
Being Responsive
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Why it’s important
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Setting norms and protocols for responsivenes
Keeping Lines of Communication Open
- Discuss technological options for communication in your agency
- Write a communications plan including norms, expectations and protocols
- Accomplishment reports
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Planning and conducting virtual meetings
Wrap-Up
- Tips for success
- Action plans
Course Schedule
Typical Course Duration
Virtual: 4 hours
Delivery Methods
Number of participants
- virtual: 30
Course Details
Course Level:
- Beginner to Intermediate
Learning Methods:
- Classroom Exercises
- Interactive Discussion
Equipment:
- CI's virtual platform